Best Bars in Taupo: Discover the Top 5 Havens for Unforgettable Nights Out
Looking for the best bars in Taupo to enjoy a vibrant evening by Lake Taupō? Taupo’s bar scene blends craft beer, sophisticated cocktails, and hearty fare, set against the stunning backdrop of New Zealand’s largest lake. We’ve handpicked five exceptional bars in Taupo’s CBD and lakeside areas, each celebrated for their quality drinks, unique atmospheres, and warm hospitality, catering to locals, tourists, and craft beverage enthusiasts.
These Taupo bars showcase the region’s growing culinary and brewing culture, offering everything from hoppy IPAs to local wines in settings that range from historic pubs to modern gastropubs. Explore our detailed guide to uncover their offerings, standout features, and why they’re the top destinations for a memorable night out in this geothermal wonderland.
1. Crafty Trout Brewing Co.
About the Business
Crafty Trout Brewing Co., located on Tongariro Street, is Taupo’s premier craft brewery and taproom, established in 2014. Known for its innovative beers and Austrian-inspired vibe, this family-owned venue has become a cornerstone of the local craft scene. With a focus on quality brews and hearty food, Crafty Trout is a must-visit for beer lovers seeking a unique experience.
Key Services / What They Offer
They serve a rotating selection of house-brewed beers, including Pale Ale, Vienna Lager, and seasonal sours, alongside guest taps and local wines. The menu features Austrian-inspired dishes like schnitzel, pretzels, and wood-fired pizzas, with vegetarian options. Crafty Trout hosts beer tastings, live music, and quiz nights, with a cozy indoor space and a small outdoor patio. Takeaway cans and brewery tours are available.
Who It’s For
Ideal for craft beer enthusiasts, groups of friends, and tourists seeking a lively, unique bar with quality brews and European flair.
What to Expect
Expect a warm, industrial-chic taproom with wooden tables, brewing tanks, and a cozy outdoor patio perfect for Taupo’s mild evenings. The staff are passionate about beer, offering tasting notes and pairing suggestions. The rotating beer lineup ensures fresh flavors, and the Austrian-inspired food complements the brews perfectly. Live music and quiz nights create a social hub, making it a go-to for casual drinks or lively gatherings.
Standout Features
- Family-owned craft brewery with innovative beers.
- Austrian-inspired menu with wood-fired pizzas.
- Live music, quiz nights, and beer tastings.
- Cozy taproom with a small outdoor patio.
Customer Feedback
“The Vienna Lager and schnitzel were incredible,” a patron shared. Guests love the unique beer selection, flavorful food, and vibrant atmosphere, often calling it Taupo’s best craft beer spot.
Why Choose Them?
Crafty Trout’s innovative brews, Austrian-inspired cuisine, and lively events make it a top destination for a memorable night out in Taupo.
Location & Contact Details
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Website: craftytrout.co.nz
Hours: Your business? Get in touch to update your opening hours.
2. Vine Eatery & Bar
About the Business
Vine Eatery & Bar, situated on Tuwharetoa Street, is a sophisticated wine bar and restaurant known for its extensive wine list and Mediterranean-inspired menu. Established in 2012, this elegant venue has become a favorite for its refined ambiance and focus on local and international flavors, making it a standout in Taupo’s dining and drinking scene.
Key Services / What They Offer
They offer an extensive selection of over 100 wines, including local Hawke’s Bay and Marlborough varieties, alongside craft beers and signature cocktails. The menu features Mediterranean dishes like lamb kofta, seafood risotto, and vegetarian options, using regional ingredients. Vine Eatery hosts wine tastings, private functions, and occasional live acoustic music, with a stylish indoor space and a small outdoor area.
Who It’s For
Perfect for wine enthusiasts, couples, and foodies seeking an upscale bar with refined drinks and Mediterranean cuisine.
What to Expect
Expect a chic, warmly lit interior with modern decor, plush seating, and a cozy outdoor area for lakeside evenings. The staff are knowledgeable, offering wine pairings and menu insights, and the service is attentive. The dishes are artfully presented, showcasing local produce, and the wine list is a highlight, catering to refined tastes. Wine tastings and live music add a special touch to the experience.
Standout Features
- Extensive wine list with over 100 varieties.
- Mediterranean-inspired menu with local ingredients.
- Wine tastings and occasional live acoustic music.
- Elegant indoor space with a cozy outdoor area.
Customer Feedback
“The wine selection and lamb kofta were divine,” a guest shared. Customers praise the sophisticated ambiance, quality cuisine, and exceptional service, often recommending it for date nights.
Why Choose Them?
Vine Eatery & Bar’s extensive wine list, Mediterranean elegance, and refined atmosphere make it a premier choice for an upscale night out in Taupo.
Location & Contact Details
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Website: vineeatery.co.nz
Hours: Your business? Get in touch to update your opening hours.
3. Plateau Bar + Eatery
About the Business
Plateau Bar + Eatery, located on Tuwharetoa Street, is a modern gastropub known for its relaxed vibe and stunning lake views. Established in 2015, this popular venue combines a focus on craft beer and local produce with a family-friendly atmosphere. Its prime lakeside location and diverse offerings make it a go-to for locals and tourists seeking a vibrant night out.
Key Services / What They Offer
They serve a wide range of craft beers, local wines, and cocktails, with a focus on Bay of Plenty brews. The menu features hearty dishes like slow-cooked pork belly, fresh fish tacos, and vegetarian options, using local ingredients. Plateau hosts quiz nights, live sports screenings, and live music, with a spacious outdoor deck overlooking Lake Taupō and indoor dining areas. Function spaces are available.
Who It’s For
Suitable for families, sports fans, and groups seeking a lively gastropub with lake views and diverse food and drink options.
What to Expect
Expect a modern, open-plan gastropub with floor-to-ceiling windows, a large outdoor deck, and breathtaking lake views. The staff are friendly, offering drink recommendations, and the service is efficient during busy events like quiz nights or sports screenings. The food is flavorful and generous, and the outdoor deck is perfect for sunset drinks. The family-friendly vibe, with a kids’ menu, welcomes all ages.
Standout Features
- Stunning Lake Taupō views from a spacious outdoor deck.
- Diverse menu with local produce and craft beers.
- Quiz nights, sports screenings, and live music.
- Family-friendly with a kids’ menu.
Customer Feedback
“The lake view and pork belly were unforgettable,” a patron noted. Customers love the scenic setting, quality food, and lively atmosphere, often recommending it for group outings.
Why Choose Them?
Plateau Bar + Eatery’s lakeside views, diverse menu, and vibrant events make it a top pick for a scenic, social night in Taupo.
Location & Contact Details
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Website: plateautaupo.co.nz
Hours: Your business? Get in touch to update your opening hours.
4. Pub N Grub
About the Business
Pub N Grub, situated on Roberts Street, is a classic Kiwi pub known for its hearty pub grub and laid-back atmosphere. Established in 2008, this local favorite is renowned for serving “the best pub food in town,” offering a traditional pub experience with a focus on comfort and community. Its central location and diverse drink menu make it a staple in Taupo’s bar scene.
Key Services / What They Offer
They serve a range of on-tap beers, including Speight’s and local craft brews, alongside wines, spirits, and cocktails. The menu features pub classics like burgers, fish and chips, and loaded nachos, with vegetarian options. Pub N Grub hosts quiz nights, live sports screenings, and pool tournaments, with a spacious indoor area and a small outdoor patio. Function spaces are available for private events.
Who It’s For
Great for sports fans, locals, and groups seeking a traditional pub with hearty meals and a social atmosphere.
What to Expect
Expect a classic pub interior with wooden furnishings, pool tables, and a lively atmosphere, especially during sports screenings or quiz nights. The staff are welcoming, ensuring quick service, and the food is generous, made with fresh ingredients. The outdoor patio is a relaxed spot for sunny days, and the pub’s central location makes it easily accessible for a night out.
Standout Features
- Classic Kiwi pub with “the best pub food in town.”
- Spacious indoor area with pool tables.
- Quiz nights, sports screenings, and pool tournaments.
- Outdoor patio for casual dining.
Customer Feedback
“The burgers were huge, and the quiz night was a blast,” a guest shared. Customers praise the hearty food, friendly vibe, and diverse events, often recommending it for casual nights out.
Why Choose Them?
Pub N Grub’s traditional pub charm, hearty fare, and social events make it a reliable choice for a laid-back night in Taupo.
Location & Contact Details
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Phone: Your business? Get in touch to update your phone number.
Website: pubngrub.co.nz
Hours: Your business? Get in touch to update your opening hours.
5. Lakefront Bar at Millennium Hotel
About the Business
Lakefront Bar at Millennium Hotel, located on Lake Terrace, is a sophisticated hotel bar offering stunning views of Lake Taupō and a refined atmosphere. Opened as part of the Millennium Hotel in 2010, this upscale venue is known for its signature cocktails and elegant setting, making it a favorite for tourists and locals seeking a luxurious night out.
Key Services / What They Offer
They serve a selection of signature cocktails, local wines, and craft beers, with a focus on NZ spirits. The menu features delectable bar snacks like sliders, cheese platters, and seafood bites, with vegetarian options. Lakefront Bar hosts occasional live acoustic music and wine tastings, with a stylish indoor lounge and a lakeside outdoor terrace. Private event bookings are available.
Who It’s For
Perfect for couples, professionals, and tourists seeking an upscale bar with lake views and refined drinks.
What to Expect
Expect an elegant, modern lounge with plush seating, ambient lighting, and a spacious outdoor terrace offering panoramic lake views. The staff are professional, crafting cocktails with flair and offering wine recommendations. The bar snacks are sophisticated, complementing the drinks, and the lakeside setting is ideal for sunset cocktails. Live music or wine tastings add a luxurious touch to the experience.
Standout Features
- Upscale hotel bar with Lake Taupō views.
- Signature cocktails and NZ-focused drinks.
- Live acoustic music and wine tastings.
- Stylish indoor lounge and lakeside terrace.
Customer Feedback
“The cocktails and lake view were absolutely stunning,” a guest shared. Customers love the luxurious ambiance, quality drinks, and scenic setting, often recommending it for romantic evenings.
Why Choose Them?
Lakefront Bar’s elegant atmosphere, signature cocktails, and breathtaking lake views make it a premier choice for a luxurious night out in Taupo.
Location & Contact Details
Address: Your business? Get in touch to update your physical address.
Phone: Your business? Get in touch to update your phone number.
Website: millenniumhotels.com
Hours: Your business? Get in touch to update your opening hours.
Conclusion: Your Perfect Night Awaits at Taupo’s Best Bars
Discovering the best bars in Taupo unlocks a world of unforgettable evenings, from Crafty Trout’s craft beer haven to Lakefront Bar’s lakeside elegance. Vine Eatery & Bar, Plateau Bar + Eatery, and Pub N Grub each offer unique strengths, blending Mediterranean sophistication, scenic gastropub vibes, and classic pub charm. These bars shine with their quality drinks, local Waikato flavors, and warm hospitality, ensuring a night out to suit every taste.
Ready to explore Taupo’s nightlife? Visit one of these top Taupo bars tonight for a drink, a meal, or a lively evening. With their distinct atmospheres and exceptional offerings, you’re guaranteed a memorable experience by the shores of Lake Taupō.
Helpful Information About Taupo Bars
The bar scene in Taupo reflects the town’s vibrant tourism and local culture, offering everything from craft breweries to sophisticated wine lounges. Nestled on the shores of Lake Taupō, many bars here boast breathtaking lake views, laid-back patios, and menus featuring local produce and beverages from across New Zealand. Whether you’re unwinding after a day of adventure sports or planning a relaxed evening with friends, Taupo offers diverse options for every taste.
Around Taupo’s CBD and waterfront areas like Tongariro and Tuwharetoa Streets, it’s easy to find lively spots offering live music, themed nights, and specialty cocktails. Taupo bars often blend friendly Kiwi hospitality with modern vibes and innovative food and drink menus. Thanks to the town’s popularity with both domestic and international tourists, many venues cater to varied preferences including family-friendly spaces, romantic settings, and bustling nightlife hubs.
Choosing the Right Bar in Taupo
- Consider the type of experience you want—whether it’s live music, lakeside dining, or a sophisticated wine tasting, many bars in central Taupo offer distinct vibes and themes.
- Check proximity to key areas like the Lake Taupō waterfront, Tongariro Domain, or popular accommodations in the city center for easy access after a night out.
- Look for venues that feature local craft beers or regional wine selections if you’re interested in sampling New Zealand’s renowned beverages.
- Review menus in advance to ensure food options match your preferences, especially if you have dietary needs or want something more substantial than bar snacks.
- Visit during happy hour or event nights like trivia or live music performances to get the most out of your night without breaking the bank.
- Reading recent customer reviews can help gauge current service quality and crowd atmosphere, particularly in high-traffic areas around Roberts Street or Lake Terrace.
Frequently Asked Questions About Taupo Bars
What types of bars are available in Taupo?
Taupo features a diverse range of bars, including craft breweries, wine bars, sports pubs, and upscale hotel lounges. Each offers a unique atmosphere, from relaxed lakeside patios to modern gastropubs in the town center.
Are bars in Taupo family-friendly?
Many bars in Taupo, particularly those with a gastropub setup, welcome families and offer kids’ menus. However, it’s best to check ahead as some venues transition into adult-only environments during the evening hours.
Can I find local craft beer in Taupo bars?
Yes, Taupo’s bar scene embraces New Zealand’s growing craft beer culture, with several venues serving locally produced and regional craft brews. Some even offer tasting flights and brewery tours for enthusiasts.
Do Taupo bars offer outdoor seating?
Many Taupo bars feature outdoor patios or decks, especially those near Lake Taupō. These outdoor spaces are popular for enjoying drinks at sunset or relaxing in Taupo’s temperate climate.
What’s the typical closing time for bars in Taupo?
Most bars in Taupo stay open until late, often closing around midnight or later on weekends. Hours can vary depending on the day of the week and the venue type, so it’s advisable to check directly with the bar for current operating times.